. >> reporter: thousands of demonstrators stood outside the united nations in new york city, holding signs that read "liberty" and shouting out against iran. inside iran's president mahmoud ahmadinejad did not mention his nation's controversial nuclear program. instead he accused big powers like the u.s. and israel of being bullies. >> translator: continue threats by the uncivilized zionists to resort to military action against our great nation is a clear example of this bitter reality. >> reporter: the comments prompted harsh words from israel's prime minister benjamin netanyahu as he headed to the u.s. for a speech of his own. israel fears iran is building a nuclear weapon, and in response netanyahu has threatened military force. tuesday president obama pushed for a peaceful negotiation. >> make no mistake, a nuclear armed iran is not a challenge that can be contained. >> reporter: both countries boycotted ahmadinejad's speech, staying away in observance of the jewish holiday yom kippur. >> we have to make a statement today. the obama administration did make a statement. we're not